Tootsie Time!!!

Each year, the Ottawa Knights of Columbus proudly sponsors the Tootsie Roll Program, “Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities.” Through our annual Tootsie Roll Drive, we collect donations at local businesses and street corners to support vital services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A big part of our fundraising campaign is asking for support from our community partners(that's YOU).

What is the Tootsie Roll Drive?

The Tootsie Roll Drive started back in the 1970s in Chicagoland by three Knights who saw a need to support organizations that help individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their idea was simple: put on a yellow vest, stand at busy intersections, and storefronts offering Tootsie Rolls in exchange for small donations. The idea worked and the Knights collected $30,000 in a two day span. Other councils around the nation quickly caught on and for more than 50 years the Knights have been collecting. Annually the Knights raise 2 million dollars in Illinois alone via the drive.

2024 was a great year thanks to YOU!

Last year, the Ottawa Knights of Columbus were able to present a check for 8,511 dollars! Money collected from all Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drives across the state are also used to support the Special Olympics. We are hoping to do even more this year than last!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

You can donate in person on Friday or Saturday September 19th and 20th. You will recognize our Brother Knights by their bright yellow vests at the 4 corners (Route 6 and 23), Handy Foods, Ottawa Liquor and Wine (Hermans), and Financial Plus.

Donate in person that weekend to get your Tootsie Roll. Donations are welcome anytime via this website using Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Google Pay, or Discover credit cards.